A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

15 Day – Group tour with air-conditioned vehicle and guide
£5,190 per person
8-21 February 2026
ABTA and ATOL-protected holidays


Join chef Monisha Bharadwaj on our exclusive A Taste of South India small group tour. Explore the regional cuisines of Karnataka and Kerala, from Bangalore to the backwaters of Kerala, while experiencing the sights, sounds, and stunning landscapes of southern India.

This immersive taste of South India tour includes hands-on cooking classes, market visits, and the opportunity to meet local chefs and families, all while staying in luxury boutique accommodations. Perfect for food lovers, this small-group experience offers both culinary delights and a deep dive into India’s rich cultural heritage.

Meet Chef Monisha

Chef Monisha - Culinary group tour

Monisha Bharadwaj is an award-winning author, food historian, and expert in traditional Indian cooking. She founded Cooking with Monisha in 2004 and has taught at prestigious UK institutions such as Ashburton Cookery School and The Bertinet Kitchen.

A judge for the Great Taste Awards and a guest lecturer at SOAS, University of London, she shares her extensive knowledge of Indian cuisine.

Her acclaimed cookbooks, including ‘Indian in 7 Recipes’ and ‘The Indian Cooking Course’ have gained numerous accolades, solidifying her as a leading voice in the culinary world.

We are delighted to be offering a second Taste of South India Tour with Monisha, following a fabulous tour in February 2025.

Highlights of A Taste of South India Group Tour

Chef Monisha - Culinary group tour
  • Hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations with Chef Monisha and regional experts
  • Visits to spice plantations, coffee and tea estates, and local markets
  • Meals with local families and community hosts
  • A curated wine and craft beer tasting in Bangalore
  • Exclusive stays in heritage, boutique, or plantation hotels
  • Kathakali performance and cultural experiences
  • Scenic backwater cruise and a traditional Sadhya feast

A Taste of South India Group Tour Itinerary

A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

Your Taste of South India Tour starts in Bengaluru, a vibrant city known for its pleasant climate, lush parks, and rich culture. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to The Paul Bangalore, an elegant and welcoming hotel offering a blend of modern luxury and comfort.

In the evening, indulge in a private wine-tasting session featuring wines from Big Banyan Vineyards, where you’ll explore the nuances of Indian wines and their distinct flavours.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at Bangalore Oota Company, a local gem renowned for its traditional Gowda and Mangalorean dishes, including Mangalorean Fish Curry and Neer Dosa.

Accommodation: The Paul, Bengaluru, Studio Suite
Meals Included: Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Coorg, a lush hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Known for its beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, and year-round pleasant weather, Coorg offers a perfect retreat into nature. Upon arrival, check in to Evolve Back Coorg, a stunning property set amidst 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations, offering peace and tranquility.

In the evening, enjoy a fascinating live session on the art and science of gourmet coffee. Watch skilled baristas prepare an array of coffee preparations from around the world, and taste their unique creations.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 5 hours, 230 km
Accommodation: Evolve Back Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, dive into Coorg’s rich culture with an authentic Kodava experience. You’ll hear stories about Kodava culture and history, interact with a local family, try on traditional costumes, and savour distinctive Kodava dishes.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the estate, where you’ll explore the coffee and spice plantations, and see how the crops are harvested and processed (if in season).

Accommodation: Evolve Back Coorg
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, drive down the hills to the coastal city of Calicut (Kozhikode), for the next stop on this Taste of South India Tour. This vibrant city is famous for its Moplah cuisine, a blend of Arab, Malabar, and coastal flavours. Upon arrival, check in to Gokulam Grand Calicut (Deluxe Room), a comfortable and modern hotel. In the evening, visit the Calicut beach for a sunset stroll along the lively walkway. Enjoy the local food stalls offering a variety of snacks and refreshing fruit drinks, while soaking in the sights and sounds of this coastal hub.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 240 km
Accommodation: Gokulam Grand Calicut (Deluxe Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Start your day with a visit to the fishing harbour to witness the vibrant fish auction and the busy activity of the fishermen. Later, enjoy a unique culinary experience at the home of Moosa and Faisa, renowned chefs specialising in Moplah cuisine. Learn about the intricacies of this traditional cuisine, followed by a delicious lunch.

Spend the afternoon strolling through the by-lanes of Calicut, before heading back to the beach for a beautiful sunset.

Accommodation: Gokulam Grand Calicut (Deluxe Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Calicut Railway Station for a scenic journey onboard the Vande Bharat Express to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the historic Fort Cochin area (approx. 45 minutes). Cochin is a charming colonial port town known for its rich heritage, with attractions like the famous Chinese fishing nets.

Check in to Malabar House (Deluxe Room), a boutique hotel with a heritage touch. In the evening, embark on a sunset cruise to view the Chinese fishing nets before visiting the home of Francis and Rosy for a fun cookery demonstration on Kerala/South Indian cuisine, followed by dinner.

Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours, 180 km (train and transfer)
Accommodation: Malabar House Hotel, Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry after breakfast, including the famous Chinese fishing nets, local fish market, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. Explore the ancient spice market and learn about Cochin’s role in the spice trade.

In the afternoon, spend some time strolling through Jew Street, hunting for souvenirs such as spices, handlooms, and antiques.

Later, enjoy a Kathakali dance show, a traditional dance-drama performance, before heading to Fort Paragon Restaurant for dinner.

Accommodation: Malabar House Hotel, Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station known for its lush tea plantations. Enroute, visit the SRISHTI natural dyeing and printing unit, where you can see beautiful textiles created with natural dyes like indigo, tea, and marigold petals.

Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to The Spice Tree Munnar, a luxurious hill resort offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 4 hours, 130 km
Accommodation: The Spice Tree Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Start your day with a guided tea plantation walk in the Lockhart Estate (3-4 hours). Learn the art of tea picking, witness the meticulous weighing process, and visit one of the region’s oldest tea factories. Discover the steps of tea processing, from withering and rolling to oxidation and drying.

End the experience with a delightful tea tasting session.

Accommodation: The Spice Tree Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of South India’s premier wildlife reserves, renowned for its rich biodiversity and as a sanctuary for tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. The sanctuary offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and the tranquil Periyar Lake, making it a prime spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

In the evening, enjoy a spice plantation visit, where a plantation expert will introduce you to the region’s various spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 3-4 hours, 110 km
Accommodation: Spice Village
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar, where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Then, drive to Kumarakom, a picturesque village nestled along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, renowned for its serene landscapes, lush coconut groves, and houseboat cruises on Vembanad Lake. Stay at Coconut Lagoon, a stunning heritage resort set amidst lush greenery, offering charming traditional Kerala-style cottages that overlook the serene backwaters, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Visit Philipkutty’s Farm, a small island farm, for an escorted walk to learn about farming in the backwaters, before joining a cooking class and enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal.

Approximate travel time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon (Heritage Bungalow)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Take a peaceful backwater village tour by motorized canoe, exploring local life and witnessing activities like fishing and coconut harvesting.

Later, enjoy a traditional Sadhya meal, an elaborate vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring an array of delicious Kerala dishes.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon (Heritage Bungalow)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, take a short drive to Mararikulam, a serene fishing village by the sea, the final stop on this Taste of South India Tour.

Check in to Marari Beach Resort, a charming seaside accommodation and the perfect place for the last few days of your tour.

In the evening, enjoy the Farm-to-Kitchen experience, where you’ll explore the resort’s organic farm, learn about sustainable farming, and then join the chefs for a hands-on cooking session.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 1 hour, 30 km
Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Start your day with an early morning walk to the nearby fish-landing harbour, where you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of the fishing industry. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind by the beach.

In the evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner at the resort’s Beach Grill restaurant, featuring a specially curated seafood feast.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

In good time, you’ll be transferred to Cochin International Airport (approx. 2 hours) for your return flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj Gallery

Kathakali dance show, Kerala
Coconut harvesting, Kerala
Fish market, Kerala
Oota Company, Bengaluru
Tea Plantation, Kerala
Vegetable market, Mysuru
Kerala style food in a banana leaf, Kerala
A mix of Indian spices
Mysuru masala dosa
The Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica maxima) is a brightly coloured squirrel that is almost as large as a house cat, Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Tea plantations, Munnar, Kerala
House Boat, Kumarakom, Kerala
Jewish Synagogue, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Boat Ride, Periyar National Park, Periyar, Kerala
Street Vendor, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Shopping in Jew Street, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala
Chinese Fisher Net, Kerala

Kathakali dance show, Kerala

Coconut harvesting, Kerala

Fish market, Kerala

Oota Company, Bengaluru

Tea Plantation, Kerala

Vegetable market, Mysuru

Kerala style food in a banana leaf, Kerala

A mix of Indian spices

Mysuru masala dosa

Malabar Giant Squirrel, Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Freshly picked pepper at a tea and pepper plantation in Southern India, Kerala, India

Tea plantations, Munnar, Kerala

House Boat, Kumarakom, Kerala

Jewish Synagogue, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Boat Ride, Periyar National Park, Kerala

Street Vendor, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Shopping in Jew Street, Cochin (Kochi), Kerala

Chinese Fisher Net, Kerala

Places on the Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

Below are the hotels we plan to use on the tour but they are subject to availability. If they are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be chosen.

Pricing and Inclusions

The price guide for this 14 day Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

  • £5,190 per person on a twin/double sharing basis
  • The single person supplement is £1,990
Dates

8 – 21 February 2026

Inclusions and Exclusions
  • All internal road travel by private chauffer driven air-conditioned vehicle.
  • All scheduled sightseeing expenses and entrance fees at museums, monuments and national parks.
  • Accompanying English speaking tour escort from day 1 till day 14.
  • Train travel in the highest available class.
  • Accommodation for 14 nights on single/ double/twin sharing. The properties are used regularly for our discerning clients and are tried and trusted. All have en suite facilities.
  • (Normal check-in time is at 1400 Hrs and check out is at 1100 Hrs; early check-in/late check-out will be requested where required, but cannot be guaranteed).
  • Meal Plan: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 11 dinners.
Excluded from the Price

International flights, visa, insurance, meals not included in the meal plan, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, table drinks, tips, alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages, camera & video fees at national Parks, museums and monuments.

Your Financial Protection

When you buy an ATOL-protected flight or flight-inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.”

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you arrange comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of the holiday and that such cover fully protects you against all aspects of your holiday including unexpected cancellation, curtailment, emergency medical expenses, repatriation, personal liabilities and delayed/lost baggage and money. If travelling to remote destinations and/or engaging in adventurous activities including walking, hiking, diving, sailing or taking low flying excursions over mountains, glaciers, monuments and open waters kindly advise your insurers of such activities prior to departure and ensure all such activities are properly covered.

Kindly note that the signatory of our Booking Form undertakes to arrange comprehensive holiday insurance which provides cover the above stated eventualities on behalf of all members of the party and, absolves Authentic India Tours of all & any potential liabilities, which may arise as a result of inadequate cover.

Unforeseen Changes

From time-to-time unforeseen changes may be necessary to your travel arrangements in response to changing local conditions. This may happen prior to your departure or during the holiday. Any costs incurred will be billed to you as per our Booking Conditions. If changes become necessary during the holiday, our handling agents will make the changes and request payment from you locally. Some costs may be covered by travel insurance and you should clarify this with your insurance provider. It is not usual for insurance to cover costs incurred as a result of cancelled flights, trains or other transport etc. We will of course do our best to assist with any claims and in minimising costs. Tour Price: £5,190 per person on twin/double sharing basis. Single Room Supplement: £1,990

N.B.

  1. The booking of the holiday is as per the terms and conditions outlined in our booking conditions.
  2. Confirmation of rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  3. Flights purchased directly by you are not covered by any financial protection scheme.
  4. If any holiday component like accommodation, transport, tour leader / guide or monument is not available or deemed unsuitable, we will arrange a similar alternative without any additional cost to you.
  5. This tour requires a minimum of six participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be cancelled. In the event of cancellation, you will receive a full refund of your payment. Alternatively, you may have the option do this as a private tour or to choose a different tour of comparable value